Strengthening the Organizations that Serve Our Communities

Kelli Bentley’s career in public service spans more than 20 years.

Bentley, the director of human resources at Anniston Water Works & Sewer Board in Anniston, Ala., attributes her longevity in the public sector to a desire to pursue work “that directly supports employees and strengthens the organizations that serve our communities,” she recently told PSHRA.

Before taking the reins as HR director with Anniston Water Works & Sewer Board, Bentley served as a payroll specialist with the City of Anniston for 16 years. Looking back at that experience, she feels fortunate to have been a part of “the age-old debate over whether payroll is a finance function or an HR function,” Bentley says now, adding that this discussion “has followed me throughout my career.”

PSHRA has played a key role in Bentley’s career in recent years, with her becoming an individual member in 2023. Bentley’s introduction to the organization came via her involvement in what is now the Alabama PSHRA chapter’s Certified Human Resource Specialist training program in 2006.

“Through that experience, I expanded my involvement in HR functions such as benefits administration, employee relations and regulatory compliance.”

She also credits her mentor—founder of Transcending Dreams Consulting and PSHRA South Advisory Committee Chair Bersheba Austin—with providing guidance throughout her career, and with encouragement to get involved with PSHRA.

“She recognized the value of professional connection, continued learning and engagement within the public sector HR community,” Bentley says of Austin, who spent 25 years with the City of Anniston, including 11 years as the organization’s director of human resources.

Bentley looks forward to being a part of that community in the days ahead, noting her passion for preparing the next generation of public servants and ensuring agencies are proactive with regard to talent development.

“As I move forward in my career, my professional focus is on strengthening workforce development, expanding leadership pipelines and creating sustainable training and succession strategies within public utilities and local government,” she says.

Bentley’s involvement with PSHRA “supports these goals, by providing ongoing education, peer collaboration and opportunities to share best practices on a national level,” she continues.

“Through PSHRA conferences, certifications and professional connections, I am able to stay informed on emerging trends while contributing my own experiences to the broader public sector HR community. PSHRA plays an essential role in helping me grow as a leader while continuing to support the mission of public service.”